The Journaling Exercise That Will Change Your Outlook

Posted on March 20, 2017

I used to roll my eyes at these “express your feelings”, “show gratitude”, “be mindful” kind of posts. I guess you could say I’ve never been the most sensitive or emotional person out there, and always preferred the cold, hard facts. I’ve always preferred macro-tracking to intuitive eating and structured lifting sets to improvised yoga flows. In the past year I’ve experienced so much that has not only led to a complete change of my mindset, but I finally feel in complete peace and security with myself. I’ve changed my mindset from I’m happy, confident and feel good, to how can I continuously grow, learn and develop. I don’t have it all figured out, heck I’m still only at the beginning of this beautiful wellness journey I’ve embarked on. One of the major habits that I’ve picked up over the past year is journaling. This is something that my wonderful friend Stef introduced me to, and I have her to thank for the great changes it has brought to my life. Basically I answer the same set of questions every morning before I start my day, and in the evening before going to bed. I’ll be honest and say I go through phases of doing it religiously, and stopping for sometimes weeks at a time. I never meant for it to add extra stress to my life, so I don’t worry if I don’t have time every single day. I know however that it’s brought me nothing but more clarity and positivity. It makes me think of a quote I read that says: What your mind thinks your body feels. Just the act of sitting and thinking of something that your grateful for, that makes you happy, that makes you smile, will breed positive thoughts, and is scientifically proven to decrease depression and anxiety. Below are the questions I answer; the simple journaling exercise that will totally change your outlook and very possibly you’re entire freakin life 😉

Morning Journaling

Every morning while I sit and enjoy my green smoothie, I answer the questions below. Writing something I’m grateful for first thing in the morning sets a positive stage for the day. I try write something different every day, so sometimes I’ll sit there for a few seconds contemplating what I will write today. Writing down my “3 things I will do today” is a way of keeping myself accountable, and really narrows down my forever page-long to-do list into 3 concise objectives.

Something I am grateful for today…

Something I’m looking forward to today…

Three things I plan on doing today…

Evening Journaling

Every evening before falling asleep I take out my journal and answer the questions below. I honestly think that every single day is an opportunity to learn and grown. Every day teaches you something, unfortunately we often let these occasions pass us by. My favourite question in this exercise is the last one. I put is as last, so that it is the last thing I think about when I fall asleep. What better way to end your day than reflecting on how the day has taught you something and most probs turned you into an even better, stronger, smarter and more kick-ass human.

Did I accomplish my 3 things?

Today I’m proud of myself for…

Something I loved about today…

How I nourished myself today… (can be food, exercise, or just how you’ve nourished your soul)

Something I realized today…

Give these exercises a try and let me know in the comments below how it goes!

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About Me!

Holllaaa! I am 22 year old student currently living in Switzerland. I'm all about maxing gains and that #teamsquats life while being a green smoothie drinking, spinach-loving, yogi. Here you'll find all things health, fitness and wellness, enjoy lovelieeess xxx Vic